Taper holder and snuffer



Feb. s, 1949.

E. D. MUZZY 'PAPER HOLDER AND SNUFFER Filed Nov. 9,' 1946 INVENTOR. Fuz/1.55m E Muzzr ATTOENEK Patented Feb. 8, 1949` UNITED" STATESZ': -l-fPATENT OFFICE f" 2,461,1`247VV n -v ".iAPEn HOLDER AND SNUIiFERv Elizabethnihivmzzy, san Francisco, Calif. V Applrcatonthlovember 9, 1946, Serial Noi 708,913

l l. This invention relates to taper holders and snuffers. InVCatholic cathedrals and churches, shrines are set up and dedicated to saints and holy names. Before each shrine an altar light burns, consisting of a cup of oil with a lighted wicklfloating therein.

Devotees offering prayers and invocations before these shrines obtain candles or tapers, which they light by inserting the ends into the cup until ignited by the burning light therein. When tapers are used, they are lighted then immediately extinguished by blowing them out and laying them in a bowl provided therefor.

Such tapers are a serious re hazard, because the name in the cup must be lower than the top edge to keep it burning in drafts and when atmospheric disturbance caused by passing persons and other causes occur.

This necessitates inserting the end of the taper downward into the cup at a relatively acute angle, often resulting in the flame shooting up the length of the taper. In the hands of a nervous person the taper is apt to be dropped on the carpet, or set fire to the clothing of the user. Furthermore,

the flame may be too great to be extinguished by blowing it out; especially in the hands of elderly or invalid devotees.

Among the objects of the invention is the provision of protective means for enclosing the length of the taper within a tube.

Another object is the provision of a means for exposing only the end of the taper for ignition, and its withdrawal into the tube for extinguishment.

A further object is the use of a material in the tube that will absorb heat and extinguish the flame when it contacts the end of the tube.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description proceeds. In the specication and the accompanying drawings the invention is disclosed in its preferred form. But it is to` be understood that it is not limited to this form, because it may be embodied in modifications within the spirit of the invention as defined in the claim following the description.

In the one sheet of drawings:

Fig. 1 is an' enlarged side elevation of a taper holder and snuffer constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view from above, of the same.

Fig. 3 is a further enlarged detail in vertical section on the line III-III, Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a modified form of taper holder in isometrica! perspective.

' (Cl. (iL-6) Indetail the structure shown in Fig. 1, comprises the tubular body I, preferably composed of aluminum alloy of the required stiiness. It has the vertical flanges 2, 3 integral with the body which extend longitudinally separated, from each other, above said body.

The rearward ends of these flanges are bent to form the inwardly extended opposed stops 4, 5, Fig. 2, overhanging the width of the slot 6 between the flanges. The forward end of the body beyond the ends of the flanges is die formed into a tapered nose 1.

The taper control consists of the tubular socket 8 snugly fitting the inner end of the taper 9 and freely slidable within the body I. It has the upwardly extending sides I0, Il between the anges 2, 3, that are bent laterally to form the concave thumb top. This upper surface is knurled togive better frictional contact with the thumb, should it become coated by wax from theV vtapers among which it may be laid.

This invention operates substantially as follows: The end of the taper 9 is Vpushed into either end of the socket 8 where'it becomes frictionally held. The outer end of the taper is then thrust into the rearward end of the body, until the sides I0, II of the socket 8 encounter thestops 4, 5, which yield laterally and pass the socket into the body I, and prevent it falling out of the body when picked up.

The conventional tapers are marketed in about sixteen inch lengths for candle lighters. The present device is made to enclose about one third the length of the standard taper, for economy, and convenience in handling.

The loaded holder is grasped in the handwith the thumb resting in the concave top of the slide,

which is then pushed forward until the forward taper end I2 protrudes and may be lighted in the altar cup as above described.

The burning taper is extinguished by moving the socket backward until the end I2 of the taper enters the nose 1. The thermal eiliciency of aluminum is such that the flame is extinguished instantly upon contact with the metal, even before it enters the nose 1. However, other metals and materials will extinguish the flame by smothering it within the body I. f

VWhen the socket reaches the top` at the inner end of the nose at I3 and the tapervhas been consumed, the socket is withdrawn and the Vunvburned end of the taper which is the length of the nose 1, provides means for easy removal of the taper from the socket 8 for a reload.

While it is preferable to taper the end -1 as shown, it will function satisfactorily in the cylindrical contour of the body l.

The modified socket shown, in Fig.4, is formed ofl relatively thinspring material so vthat the socket 8:1: Willnormally open to receive the ,endY of ataper that'may become tufted or enlarged.

The frayed or tufted end is laid into the socket andthe sides Hlm, lla: are pinched together and passed intotherear end of the-body at 4L 5,. as

described. This modification isequally' eiective and cheaper to produce. The outward friction of the sides 10x, Hx, holds theV socket in adjusted A y position between vthe flanges 2, 3.V

Having fullyjdescribed this invention and. its modesof operation, what I claim-vanfcbdesire to.

` secure by Letters Patent is;

A taper holder and snuie oomprisingatubula-.r body having a tapered nose portion vand longitudinal anges forming, a slot in said body 'from'r A15 Number K REFERENGES CITEDv Y The following references are of record in the j tile of this lluttent:

- UNITED STATES PATENTS l Name Date Wiler et al.V June 26, 1855 Adams Sept. 13, 1870 Spear Apr. 22, 1879 Krell Nov. 6, 1917 

